The Washington Nationals a couple weeks ago went with a unique line-up where right fielder Jayson Werth became lead-off hitter and the pitcher batted eighth in the line-up. The switch helped spark an incredible tear of victories for the Nats. On Sunday the Nationals and interim manager John McLaren, in his final game as interim manager as Davey Johnson is expected to take over the team Monday, have decided to go old school.
Center fielder Roger Bernadina returns to the lead-off spot as Werth falls to second in the order. One has to wonder if starting pitcher Livan Hernandez (4-8, 3.97 ERA) would be batting ninth Sunday if it wasn't for interleague play because Hernandez is not too shabby with the bat. Outfielder Laynce Nix will be the designated hitter in place of Hernandez. Infielder Alex Cora will take over shortstop duties for Ian Desmond.
Hernandez will be looking to get the Nationals back on track after they suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday where the offense could only put together two hits. Hernandez is hoping to erase the memory of his last start where he gave up four earned runs on 10 hits in just four innings.
Hernandez, and a reshuffled line-up up against the White Sox and Philip Humber (7-3, 2.90 ERA) for the series win at 2:10 P.M. EST at U.S. Cellular Field.
Nationals Line-Up
1. Roger Bernadina, CF
2. Jayson Werth, RF
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Laynce Nix, DH
5. Michael Morse, 1B
6. Danny Espinosa, 2B
7. Wilson Ramos, C
8. Jerry Hairston, LF
9. Alex Cora, SS
— Livan Hernandez, SP